The Runaway Groom

Before James could speak further, Mick added, "Erin's my daughter. Everything that is mine is hers, and it's not like I can take these to my grave anyway. Don't turn me down now—if you feel like you owe me, just treasure Erin. I won't play around if you ever bully her.”

James did not get uncomfortable because of Mick's words. Instead, he said somberly, "Don't worry."

Mick patted him on the shoulder. “You have to take care of yourself too."

He certainly did not want James’ injuries to get permanent, or Erin would have to live with a disabled person for the rest of her life.

His fatherly affection left Erin's tears welling in her eyes, and she leaned against his arm. "Dad, you should come with us to Franconia!" She really could not bear leaving Mick to live alone—he was going to be very lonely with Yvaine Lynd gone.

And the older one got, the more afraid one would be of loneliness. However, Mick was used to life here and would not be accustomed to life anywhere else.

He used to live in this house with Yvaine as well and shared plenty of good memories with her here.

should only share each other's company,” Mick said. “It'd be wrong if I hovered around. I'd like to stay

that Mick wanted to live here, feeding on the memories he

did was

selfish, but the love was real because it did not involve personal gain, only

not right, it was not entirely wrong—Yvaine survived this long because of him, and

and only those involved

sensing his daughter distraught. "You are getting married. You have to be

smiled at Mick. "I am really happy

had never hidden her love and was always open about it. Meanwhile, James was less forthright around others in contrast to her. When it was time for dinner, they all headed out to Irene's lodgings to

needed to prepare, what with children coming

just the right time as they packed